CEI.org:Spending Cuts Caused Economy to Contract? How About Regulatory Cliff

Wednesday, the government reported the stunning news the U.S. economy actually contracted by .1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012. The Washington Post sent a news bulletin shortly thereafter that blamed the problem on “cuts in government spending, fewer exports and sluggish growth in company stockpiles.”

A more likely cause of the economy contracting was the very real threat – and realization – of the "regulatory cliff." If there's one thing worse than uncertainty, it is the certainty thousands of pages of new regulatory policies will go into effect. > Read the full comment on CEI.org

His proposal would eliminate the gasoline tax, making up for revenue losses largely by increasing the sales tax and redirecting general revenue. CEI transportation policy expert Marc Scribner has expressed concerns with the McDonnell plan, warning that it relies on fiscal sleights of hand and will ultimately harm Virginia’s transportation networks. > Listen to the interview on Soundcloud

CEI and the 60 Plus Association sent a letter urging Congress to delay considering the re-nomination of Richard Cordray to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, in light of a court ruling striking down recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Bureau.

CEI and 60 Plus are plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.